Cambodia to Benefit as ADB Pledges $30 Billion for ASEAN by 2030

CEBU, May 11, 2026 (KPT) — Cambodia is set to benefit from the Asian Development Bank’s plan to mobilize $30 billion by 2030 to help ASEAN countries advance long-term priorities and withstand external shocks, officials said Friday.

ADB President Masato Kanda announced the commitment at the 48th ASEAN Summit in Cebu, where leaders welcomed the bank’s role as the region’s main financial partner. Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr chaired the summit, with Kanda attending as Guest of the Chair.

“ASEAN has clear priorities and strong ambitions, but the challenge now is delivery, especially as the region faces compounding crises from geopolitical uncertainty to economic shocks,” Kanda said. “As the region’s main bank, ADB is channeling financing, expertise and a $30 billion pipeline of public and private investments to directly support ASEAN’s priorities and deliver lasting benefits for people across the region.”

The package will target five flagship initiatives, including $6 billion to deepen capital markets and $5 billion to accelerate the ASEAN Power Grid — part of ADB’s previously announced $10 billion support through 2035. It also mobilizes investments for artificial intelligence readiness, the blue economy and river resilience.

ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn said the pledge “sends a powerful signal of confidence in ASEAN’s vision and its capacity to deliver,” adding that the bloc looks forward to working closely with ADB to translate the commitment into tangible outcomes.

Kanda also addressed immediate global disruptions linked to Middle East conflict, outlining ADB’s readiness to help ASEAN respond to supply chain spillovers. He said the bank is providing fast-disbursing budget support and has temporarily reactivated private sector backing for oil imports through its Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program.

Earlier, on May 7, Kanda attended the Special BIMP-EAGA Summit, reaffirming ADB’s support for Vision 2035 by advancing economic corridors, energy connectivity, food security and marine ecosystem protection.